World-renowned architect and urban planner Dikshu C Kukreja is the Managing Principal of C P Kukreja Architects, one of the most revered architectural firms in the country. It has strong portfolio of 1000+ projects in more than 30 countries.

Growing up in an environment where discussions were around creativity and design fueled Kukreja’s passion for architecture and design. His perspective on the potential social impact of design was significantly influenced by witnessing his father, Architect C P Kukreja transform India’s architectural landscape through his innovative efforts. This early exposure gave him a unique insight into architecture as a discipline that blends art, science, and societal needs. An alumnus of the School of Planning & Architecture, Delhi, and Harvard University, USA, Kukreja’s work is influenced by icons such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and Louis Kahn, and his designs often reflect a balance between modernist principles and indigenous traditions.

“Architecture is a synthesis of the past, present, and future — an opportunity to create spaces that blend functionality with aesthetics while addressing societal and environmental needs”, is the guiding principle Kukreja goes by.

Kukreja’s architectural philosophy emphasizes the integration of functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. His creative process emphasizes a user-centric approach, incorporating cultural, social, and environmental contexts into every design. Technology plays an indispensable role, whether through parametric design or energy modeling to enhance both precision and sustainability. He believes in combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design ideas to achieve a balance of beauty, utility, and resilience.

Among his plethora of acclaimed projects, ‘The East India Hub’, India’s largest transportation-oriented development, exemplifies this vision. This proposal tackles urban issues including density, mobility, and sustainability by combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces into a seamless ecosystem. Vertical landscaping, green roofs, and energy-efficient technologies reduce carbon footprints and redefine sustainable urban living by emphasising walkability and seamless public transportation. This initiative exemplifies how creative architecture can transform not only buildings but entire communities.

Kukreja believes that AI (Artificial Intelligence) has transformative potential in architecture and design enhancing efficiency through automation, material optimization, and predictive analysis. It is a tool facilitating efficiency and decision-making but cannot replace creativity, empathy and accountability. Kukreja advises architects to ensure that technology enhances the design process to create human centric spaces that foster connection, represent culture and address environmental issues.

Kukreja feels that the future of architecture lies in adapting to global issues like resource scarcity, urbanization and climatic change. His advice to young architects is, “Embrace curiosity, learn from the past, innovate for the future, prioritize your vision, empathy, and integrity while designing spaces.”